Store Finance Manager

Key Responsibilities

Financial Control and Reporting

• Manage daily, weekly, and monthly financial reporting requirements to Head Office.
• Review payroll reports weekly before submission to Head Office.
• Ensure all financial deadlines are met in accordance with Head Office requirements.
• Prepare and present monthly store performance reports to the Executive Committee.
• Conduct daily transaction reviews and reconciliations between Arch and Pastel systems.
• Manage supplier accounts, reconciliations, and payment processes.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and coordinate direct payments in consultation with Head Office.
• Audit and reconcile supplier statements against the Pastel Evolution accounting system.
• Monitor critical supplier balances and forecast store requirements to prevent supply interruptions.
• Support working capital optimization initiatives.

Debtor Management

• Monitor debtor accounts and collections on a weekly basis.
• Ensure all debtor accounts are supported by accurate and complete documentation.
• Track arrears and implement appropriate collection measures.
• Review debtor age analyses regularly and ensure compliance with agreed payment terms.
• Assess and approve new customer credit applications within delegated authority limits.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with company policies, procedures, and financial controls.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors alongside Group and Regional Finance Management.
• Safeguard company assets, including stock, cash, and fixed assets.
• Oversee GRV processes, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Conduct daily reviews of outstanding GRVs and investigate discrepancies.
• Monitor cashier shortages and overages through regular reviews and reporting.
• Perform unannounced cash float spot checks and oversee cash office controls.
• Manage weekly cash office float balancing and trolley reporting.
• Review and maintain system user permissions and access controls.
• Ensure the safeguarding of Arch Coin and empty vouchers.

People Management

• Lead, develop, and support administration, front-end control, and cash office teams.
• Clearly communicate performance expectations and operational standards.
• Motivate staff through effective leadership and leading by example.
• Manage leave planning, scheduling, staffing levels, and overtime within approved guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with labour legislation and company HR policies.
• Handle staff grievances and disciplinary matters appropriately.
• Drive goal-setting initiatives and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Facilitate ongoing staff training and development.
• Monitor team productivity and review departmental structures regularly.

Cash Management

• Ensure strict adherence to all cash-handling and cash-security procedures.
• Manage cash flow requirements, including payments for stock and operational expenses.
• Review and approve daily cash-up reports and reconciliations.
• Verify that cash deposits and card transactions reconcile accurately each day.
• Control operational expenses through appropriate authorization processes.
• Monitor store financial performance against budget and income statement targets.
• Ensure rebate income and other revenue streams are accurately accounted for.
• Authorize payments within approved limits of authority.
• Prepare and review monthly transport income statements to assess delivery profitability.

Systems and Procedures

• Ensure compliance with all company systems, controls, and operational procedures.
• Review and authorize refunds, overrings, and related day-end transactions.

Stock Management

• Lead and support stock take planning and execution.
• Ensure stock counts are completed in line with company standards and budget requirements.
• Partner with Operations to ensure accurate stock-taking processes.
• Analyze stock variance reports and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Conduct monthly stock reviews and address inventory-related risks and hazards.

General Responsibilities

• Perform ongoing assessments of store administration staff and processes.
• Undertake additional duties as required by the Store Manager or Head Office.
• Provide operational support across the business as needed.
• Act in relief capacities when required to support business continuity.

Key Competencies

• Financial Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Leadership and Team Development
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
• Communication and Collaboration
• Integrity and Accountability
• Risk and Compliance Awareness

Qualifications and Experience

• A Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3–5 years' experience in a financial management role, preferably within a retail environment.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, budgeting, and financial controls.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and leadership abilities.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet strict deadlines.

Systems and Software

• Proficiency in accounting software such as SAP and/or Pastel.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.